Mae sought a divorce "from bed and board" and applied to obtain alimony. Court admitted that the case was difficult because of the "pathetic condition of a man and wife and their innocent off-spring." The children ranged in age from 1 to 13 years. Mae alleged that Ray had never supported the family, but that they continued living together. It was charged that Ray had mistreated Mae and had "tried to get rid of her in various ways," one an attempt to confine her to a lunatic asylum.